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Louisville’s Kentucky Shakespeare Festival remains the longest-running free, non-ticketed Shakespeare festival in the United States. Their vision takes the stance that “Shakespeare belongs to everyone.” This festival doesn’t wait and wish for theater-goers to come to them—it brings it to the public in a majorly accessible way and offers much more than simply a live show with old-timey language. See why it’s a can’t-miss below!

It’s Free! 616 Myrtle Street Louisville, KY 40208 Shakespeare in the Park is Kentucky’s festival “Keeping Will Free.” Producing Artistic Director Matt Wallace states that they “see 25,000+ people each summer in Central Park, with some of the most diverse audiences you’ll see anywhere.” Final numbers for last season served 26,785 people, the fifth highest-attended in company history and largest since 2019. Kentucky Shakespeare Facebook page
Food Trucks & Will’s Tavern C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Central Park in Historic Old Louisville | 1340 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 Local food truck vendors are parked and ready for customers around 6 pm, so no need for growling stomachs during the performance. By 7 pm, you can grab a drink at Will’s Tavern. Visitor’s Guide to Kentucky Shakespeare | Festival in Central Park – Louisville, KY
Scenic Outdoor Experience C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Central Park in Historic Old Louisville | 1340 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 In the tree-encompassed amphitheater, settle into one of the permanent benches, picnic tables, or even one’s own chair or blanket in the more open areas for the show. Kentucky Shakespeare Facebook page
Pets Welcome C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Central Park in Historic Old Louisville | 1340 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 Worried to leave your sweet velcro pup behind? No problem! Leashed pets who are cleaned up after are welcome to sit with you at the picnic tables or along the grass. Kentucky Shakespeare Facebook page
Pre-Show Activities & Performances C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Central Park in Historic Old Louisville | 1340 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 While the main performances start at 8 pm, enjoy Kids’ Globe activities and time in Will’s Gift Shop as well as community pre-shows in the meantime. Visitor’s Guide to Kentucky Shakespeare | Festival in Central Park – Louisville, KY
ASL Interpreted Performances C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Central Park in Historic Old Louisville | 1340 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 ASL interpretation will be provided for the following performances:Thursday, June 5 for Much Ado About Nothing, Thursday, June 26 for Hamlet, Thursday, July 10 for Cymbeline, and Thursday, July 31 for the Globe Players Twelfth Night. Kentucky Shakespeare Facebook page
40 Park Tour Various Local Parks If you can’t make it to Central Park this summer, perhaps the Shakespeare in the Park tour is coming to a park near you this spring! And witch lovers, you’ll be happy to know that Macbeth is the tour performance. Kentucky Shakespeare Facebook page
Ballet Bonus: Shakespeare in Dance C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Central Park in Historic Old Louisville | 1340 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 Kentucky Shakespeare teams up with the Louisville Ballet each season for a Shakespeare in Dance production. Don’t miss A Midsummer’s Night Dream this summer! Louisville Ballet Facebook page
Support the Globe Players Program C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Central Park in Historic Old Louisville | 1340 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 Auditions are open! See the next generation of Shakespeare talent perform Twelfth Night July 30-Aug 3, with Kentucky Shakespeare’s Globe Players, a professional five-week training program for students from various high schools. Kentucky Shakespeare Facebook page
Late Night Shakes: Louisville Improvisers C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Central Park in Historic Old Louisville | 1340 South Fourth Street Louisville, KY 40208 Late Night Shakes, Louisville improvisors, returns for the tenth season to perform impromptu Shakespeare plays from audience suggestions on June 14, June 28, and July 12 at 10:30 pm. Kentucky Shakespeare Facebook page
Kentucky Shakespeare Facebook page

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Kelsey Knott is a freelance writer, former educator, and published poet who has called Louisville home for the last 12 years. When she's not reading or playing Animal Crossing, you'll find her cozied up...